.............. PRAYERS ..............
❤.............. DONATE ..............
CALLING OUR NEXT BISHOP
The people of the Metropolitan New York Synod will be calling a new bishop during the 2019 Synod Assembly, from May 16-May 18.
Reports to the Bishop
Each year, we ask our ELCA rostered ministers to take the time to complete a report to the bishop, looking back on their life and ministry. Submit this confidential report before  February 15 .

In addition to helping us stay connected, completing this form makes you eligible for synod grants.

Submit your report,  here ,
Music by St. Olaf College
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage– Carnegie Hall, Manhattan
Saturday, February 2
8:00 pm

The St. Olaf Orchestra will perform for the first time at Carnegie Hall. Conducted by Steven Amundson and with the participation of Sarah Chang, recognized as one of the foremost violinists of our time.

For more information, click here  
2018 MISSION SUPPORT
The mission support of our congregations makes it possible for us to walk together with others in the mission and ministry of the Metropolitan New York Synod and to support ministries of the ELCA. 

All mission support for the fiscal year 2018 (ending on January 31, 2019), should be received in the synod office by February 7, 2019.
Webinar: Legal Checklist for Congregations
Congregations can be vulnerable to legal issues and liabilities related to corporate status, taxes, property, insurance and abuse prevention. Many of these problems can be avoided by using an ELCA-prepared checklist of key issues for congregations to address. In a free webinar, the ELCA legal staff will discuss this checklist and best legal practices for congregations. Learn more, here.

Register by Feb. 15!
FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS & PARTNERS
SUICIDE ALERTNESS TRAINING
Parish Life Center of Atonement Lutheran Church, Saugerties
Monday, January 28
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

SafeTalk is an alertness training program that prepares anyone over the age of 15 to become a suicide-alert helper. Tamara Cooper of Family of Woodstock will lead the workshop. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here
DO YOU HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH  YOURSELF ?
We highlight Valentine's Day with an important article about how our relationship with ourselves affects all other relationships. The Rev. Dr. Ron Lehenbauer is the author, a certified Imago Relationship therapist and one of our leading couples therapists. Please, click  here  and share! 
YEAR OF THE ORGAN RECITAL
St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Huntington Station
Tuesday, February 5
7:30 pm

Don't miss organist, Dr. David Hurd, in a solo recital, concluding the church’s ‘Year of the Organ.’ In Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the church organ, built in 1968. A reception will follow. For more information, click here
TRIVIA NIGHT 2019
Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, Manhattan
Friday, February 22
Evening

Lutheran Ministries in Higher Education's annual Trivia Night fundraiser for The Vine NYC Campus Ministry Network will be here before we know it! A fun, festive night and a great way to support campus ministry. For more information, click here
LI-CAN LEADERS SUPPORT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON OPIOID ADDICTION TREATMENT AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION
Last April, in a meeting with clergy affiliated with the Metro IAF-NY citizens' organizing network, LI-CAN co-chairperson Rev. Eric Olsen asked Governor Andrew Cuomo to make New York State a leader in opioid addiction treatment. Read more, here
INVIGORATING CONGREGATIONS FOR GLOBAL GOOD THIS LENTEN SEASON
Journey with Lutheran World Relief this Lent and proclaim to the world that the hope of Christ makes a new season possible. Share with your congregation the impact they can make in the lives of poor and struggling families around the world. For resources and more information, click here
2019 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL "TO MARS AND BEYOND"
A Minnesota youth group is looking to partner with a NY church this summer. Only cost to the host congregation is lodging. They will provide staffing and supplies.. Preferred weeks are either July 28-August 2 or August 5-9. For more information, contact Pastor Rob Norris-Weber, here
SHARE THE LOVE MEAL PROGRAM
St Peter's Church, Port Jervis

Join this fun initiative, sharing love through a special meal and social media. Throughout February you can give and receive meals and moments of conversation. When this exchange happens, a photo will be taken and posted it on their social media, using the hashtag #sharethelovemnys.
Stay tuned!
––– JOB OPPORTUNITIES –––
PART-TIME ORGANIST AND MUSIC DIRECTOR: Grace Lutheran Church, Uniondale—more information here
LEAVE REPLACEMENT, FULL-TIME: LUHI - Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School, Brookville—more information here
OUTREACH COORDINATOR: St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Port Jefferson Station—more information here

––––– CALENDAR –––––
FEBRUARY 2: Music by St. Olaf College —more information here.
FEBRUARY 4: FMC Meeting—more information here.
FEBRUARY 4: GATHERED Committee Meeting—more information here.
FEBRUARY 5: Executive Committee Meeting—more information here.
FEBRUARY 7: STRATEGIC PLAN Working Group—more information here.

WE'RE PRAYING FOR...
ReconcilingWorks Board member and Regional Coordinator Ken Neundorf. Ken fell on January 9, suffering a serious head injury, and remains hospitalized in intensive care.  
The family and friends of  The Rev. Thomas A. Smith ,   who   who died in Christ on   Tuesday, January 15, 2019. See obituary,  here .
• Our brothers and sisters from Venezuela
The federal workers and all affected by the government shutdown
• The asylum seekers who are waiting to be processed at our southern border
 Our work toward shaping a more inclusive church that welcomes and affirms all of God's people, specifically our  LGBTQIA+  brothers, sisters, and siblings 
 Refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers, and those who come to their aid
 Those affected by violence in their schools, workplaces, and homes 
 The unity of this church and its mission
 Peace in our world
 Peace in our nation
 The care of God's creation 
 ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission, Brittany Barkus and Karleigh Crepin, serving in Australia
ELCA missionaries The Rev. Dr. Phillip Baker, Regional Representative, and Stephanie Olson, YAGM Country Coordinator, serving in Cambodia
MNYS missionary Melanie Nelson, and her husband David Kingery, serving in Bukoba, Tanzania
  Bishop Dr. Steven L. Ullestad, the staff, and the people of the  Northeastern Iowa Synod